U.S. strikes Iranian targets in Strait of Hormuz after missile threat

The United States conducted defensive strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, a U.S. official said, with explosions reported on Qeshm Island. The action came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections. The strikes targeted Iranians using surface-to-air missiles against U.S. assets and appeared limited, not a return to full hostilities. They follow President Donald Trump's earlier statement that no new strikes would occur before the elections, amid Republican concerns over the war's economic impact. The region remains on edge over potential full-scale conflict, with backchannel negotiations ongoing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pushed for more strikes, while other Middle East allies warn against escalation, and oil prices dropped as diplomatic efforts showed signs of progress.